Electronic device with automatic mode switching

ABSTRACT

An electronic device for predicting or anticipating a user&#39;s operational desires. The electronic device is ready to perform the anticipated function without input from the user by using sensors to sense environmental attributes. The sensors can include an ambient light sensor, a force sensor, a temperature sensor, an ambient noise sensor, and a motion sensor. The electronic device also includes a control mechanism for switching between modes for the device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/775,969, filed Mar. 11, 2014 and titled“Electronic Device with Automatic Mode Switching,” now U.S. Pat. No.8,670,222, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/224,180, filed Sep. 1, 2011 and titled“Electronic Device with Automatic Mode Switching;” now U.S. Pat. No.8,385,039, which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/012,638, filed Jan. 24, 2011 and titled“Electronic Device with Automatic Mode Switching,” now U.S. Pat. No.8,184,423; which is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/323,378, filed Dec. 29, 2005 and titled“Electronic Device with Automatic Mode Switching, now U.S. Pat. No.7,894,177. This application is also related to the followingapplications: U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/402,311, filed Mar.26, 2003 and titled “Computer Light Adiustment,”, now U.S. Pat.7,236,154; U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/889,933, filed Jul. 12,2004 and titled “Handheld Devices as Visual Indicators,”, now U.S. Pat.7,616,097; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/997,479, filed Nov.24, 2004 and titled “Music Synchronization Arrangement,” now U.S. Pat.No. 7,521,623. Each of the foregoing is hereby incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to portable electronic devices.More particularly, the present invention relates to a portableelectronic device that uses a hold switch.

2. Description of the Related Art

Most handheld devices include a manual hold switch for locking the inputdevices of a portable electronic device. The hold switch typicallyincludes two positions: ON and OFF. When the switch is in the OFFposition, the user is allowed to make entries using the input devices.When the switch is in the ON position, the input devices are locked andtherefore the user is prevented from making entries. This feature can beused to prevent accidental entries when the device is stowed.

Unfortunately, in some portable electronic devices especially those thatare continuously being stowed and used, the hold switch can be anuisance as it can almost double the number of actions a user must maketo make an entry. For example, in the case of a handheld music player,in order to select a song when the device is in their pocket, a userremoves the device from their pocket, turns OFF the hold switch, thenmakes a selection using the input device (e.g., scroll through listusing scroll device, and select a song using a button). Once a song hasbeen selected, the user then turns ON the hold switch, and places thedevice back in their pocket. The user performs at least three actions,two of which are associated with locking and unlocking the inputdevices.

In lieu of the above, a new hold feature is desired especially one thatreduces the number of actions that need to be taken by a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates, in one embodiment, to a portable electronicdevice. The portable electronic device includes a control mechanism thatprovides an input mode and a hold mode for the portable electronicdevice. The portable electronic device also includes one or more inputdevices for inputting into the portable electronic device. The portableelectronic device further includes one or more sensors that provide cuesfor initiating an automatic hold feature. The automatic hold featureincludes switching between the input and hold modes based on the sensoroutput. The input devices are enabled when the portable electronicdevice is in the input mode. The input devices are disabled when thedevice is in the hold mode.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of operating aportable electronic device. The method includes monitoring environmentalconditions. The method also includes determining whether a triggeringevent should be initiated based on the environmental conditions. Themethod additionally includes changing the portable electronic devicefrom a first mode to a second mode when the triggering event isinitiated.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method performed on ahand-held media player. The method includes determining if an auto holdfeature is activated. The method also includes measuring ambient lightsurrounding the hand-held media player. The method further includesenabling one or more input devices of the hand-held media player whenthe ambient light level is high and the auto hold feature is activated.The method additionally includes disabling the one or more input deviceof the hand-held media player when the ambient light level is low andthe auto hold feature is activated.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a portable hand helddevice. The portable hand held device includes input devices for makinginputs into the portable handheld device. The portable hand held devicealso includes output devices for outputting information from theportable handheld device. The portable hand held device further includesa plurality of sensors that provides information or cues that helppredict the future use of the portable hand held device or anticipatethe user's needs associated with the portable handheld device so thatthe portable hand held device can be configured accordingly, each of thesensors being configured to measure different environmental conditionsat the portable handheld device. The portable hand held deviceadditionally includes a control system operatively coupled to the inputdevices, output devices and sensors. The control system includes asituational awareness module that obtains sensor data from the sensorsand extracts control information from the sensor data. The situationalawareness module includes a mechanism that maps various functions tosensor events pulled from the sensor data. The functions are when thesensor event or events associated therewith are performed.

The invention relates, in another embodiment, to a method of operating aportable handheld electronic device. The method includes assigning afunction to one or more sensor/sensor events. The method also includesobtaining sensor data from one or more sensors. The method furtherincludes identifying particular sensor events from the sensor data. Themethod additionally includes implementing the functions assigned tosensor/sensor events when the sensor events are identified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a method of operating a portable electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a method of operating a portable hand held device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portable electronic device, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a user preference window, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a hold switch having two states, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a truth table, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of a hold switch having three states, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a truth table, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 9 is a method of operating a hand-held electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a method of operating a hand-held electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a method of operating a hand-held electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is perspective view of a pocket sized handheld media player, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a media player,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a media management system, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a media player, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an intuitive portable electronic devicethat anticipates or predicts a user's desires on how they would like usethe portable electronic device. The portable electronic device istherefore ready to perform a user function when the user desires toperform the function. The user does not have to perform additional stepssuch as selecting menu options in a GUI or activating a button orswitch. For example, the portable electronic device may change its stateor mode or adjust a control feature based on the user's anticipatedneeds, but without receiving instructions from the user (therebyreducing steps and making the device more user friendly).

This may be accomplished with one or more sensors that are located onthe portable electronic device and that are designed to sense thingsthat lead to intelligent decisions by the portable electronic device. Inessence, the sensors provide information or cues that help predict theportable electronic devices future use or user's needs so that thedevice can be configured accordingly. In most cases, the sensors areconfigured to sense one or more environmental attributes surrounding theportable electronic device. The environmental attributes may for exampleinclude temperature, ambient light, motion, vibration, pressure, touch,pressure, noise, orientation, time and/or the like.

One particular aspect of the invention pertains to anticipating ormaking a determination whether a user wants to perform inputting. If itsbelieved that the user would like to perform inputting, the inputdevices of the portable electronic device are automatically unlocked andenabled for inputting. That is, the hold feature is automatically turnedOFF without user manually actuating a switch each and every time. If itis believed that the user would not like to performing inputting, theinput devices of the portable electronic device are automatically lockedand disabled from inputting. That is, the hold feature is automaticallyturned ON without the user manually actuating a switch each and everytime. The determination of whether to turn the hold feature ON and OFFis typically based on signals generated from one or more sensorsdisposed on the portable electronic device.

In one embodiment, the sensors are ambient light sensors that sense whenthe device is in a dark environment or when the device is in a lightenvironment. If the portable electronic device is in a dark environmentsuch as for example in a pocket or backpack or bag or case or purse, theinput devices of the portable electronic device are disabled (holdfeature ON). If the portable electronic device is in a lightenvironment, the input devices of the portable electronic device areenabled (hold feature OFF). This embodiment works on the basicassumption that when the portable electronic device is in a darkenvironment it is packed away inside a pocket, case, purse or bag, whereinputting is not desired to be performed and where accidental activationof input devices is likely, and when the portable electronic device isin a light environment, the device is being used by the user whereinputting is desired to be performed (e.g., the device is taken out ofthe pocket so that the user can perform an operation such as selecting asong).

The invention is particularly suitable in hand-held electronic devices.As used herein, the term “hand-held” means that the electronic devicehas a form factor that is small enough to be comfortably held in onehand. A hand-held electronic device may be directed at one-handedoperation or two-handed operation. In one-handed operation, a singlehand is used to both support the device as well as to perform operationswith the user interface during use. Cellular phones, and media playerssuch as music players are examples of hand-held devices that can beoperated solely with one hand. In the case of a cell phone, for example,a user may grasp the phone in one hand between the fingers and the palmand use the thumb to make entries using keys, buttons or a joy pad. Intwo-handed operation, one hand is used to support the device while theother hand performs operations with a user interface during use oralternatively both hands support the device as well as performoperations during use. PDA's and media players such as game and videoplayers are examples of hand-held device that are typically operatedwith two hands. In the case of the PDA, for example, the user may graspthe device with one hand and make entries using the other hand, as forexample using a stylus. In the case of the game player, the usertypically grasps the device in both hands and make entries using eitheror both hands while holding the device.

The footprint of the hand-held device may be widely varied. Thefootprint is typically associated with how the device is going to beused. Palm sized devices such as PDAs are typically used with both handsand thus they tend to be larger while hand sized devices such as cellphone handsets are typically used with only one hand and thus they tendto be smaller. Although there are different footprints, there aretypically minimum and maximum footprints. If the footprint is too largeor too small, the device may be difficult to use as a hand held device.

In one embodiment, the hand-held device is sized for placement into apocket of the user. By being pocket-sized, the user does not have todirectly carry the device and therefore the device can be taken almostanywhere the user travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying alarge, bulky and often heavy device, as in a laptop or notebookcomputer). In cases such as these, the sensors provide information aboutthe ambient environment surrounding the user as well as informationabout the environment inside the pocket (or bag, purse, case, etc). Thedifferences in these conditions may be used to make intelligentdecisions about the intended use of the device, which can be used toreconfigure the device (e.g., hold mode for inside the pocket, inputmode for outside the pocket).

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-15. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that thedetailed description given herein with respect to these figures is forexplanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a method 10 of operating a portable electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The portableelectronic device may be a handheld device and further a pocket sizedhandheld device. The method is designed to anticipate the needs of theuser based on environment conditions so that the user does not have toinitiate a task on their own (e.g., eliminates the user having to makeadditional selections). The method is typically accomplished without theuser knowing, i.e., the method is part of the underlying operation ofthe portable electronic device.

The method 10 generally begins at block 12 where the portable electronicdevice monitors environment conditions. The environment conditions maybe associated with the ambient environment surrounding the device and/orthe user, the user and/or the device. The step of monitoring may includesensing one or more environmental attributes including but not limitedto ambient light, temperature, noise, vibration, motion, touch,pressure, time, force, etc.

This may for example be accomplished with one or more sensors thatmeasure the same, similar or different environmental attributes. In oneembodiment, a single sensor is used. In another embodiment, multiplesensors measuring the same environmental attributes are used. In yetanother embodiment, multiple sensors measuring different environmentalattributes are used.

The method 10 also includes block 14 where a determination is made as towhether or not a triggering event should occur based on changes in theenvironment. This may for example be accomplished via a controller thatanalyzes one or more sensor outputs and makes a determination based onthe sensor outputs. For example, analyzing the output of a sensor andinitiating the trigger when the output is at a certain level or when ithas changed a certain amount (e.g., absolute or relative). Or analyzingthe output from multiple sensors and initiating a trigger when a each ofthe outputs is at a certain level or when they have changed a certainamount. As should be appreciated, different truth tables can be createdfor each sensor added.

The method 10 additionally includes block 16 where a task associatedwith the triggering event is performed. This may for example includereconfiguring the portable electronic device or changing a mode or stateof the portable electronic device. For example, changing the portableelectronic device from a first mode to a second mode when the triggeringevent takes place (or vice versa). This can also include adjusting acontrol feature such as Play/Pause, volume, etc.

In one embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring theambient light level, the step of determining if a trigger event shouldoccur includes determining if the ambient light level has changed acertain amount or reached a predetermined or specified level, and thestep of performing a task include automatically switching between aninput mode where all or a select number of input devices are unlockedand a hold mode where all or a select number of input devices are lockedbased on the ambient light level. For example, switching from an inputmode to a hold mode when the ambient light level decreases a certainamount or reaches a predetermined or specified darkness level, andswitching from a hold mode to an input mode when the ambient light levelincreases a certain amount or reaches a predetermined or specifiedlightness level. This embodiment works particularly well for portableelectronic devices such as music players that are continuously beingused and stored (e.g., take out of pocket, select song, play song, putback into pocket).

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring theambient light level, the step of determining if a trigger event shouldoccur includes determining if the ambient light level has changed acertain amount or reached a predetermined or specified level, and thestep of performing a task include automatically switching between a ringmode (where a cellular phone rings when a call is received) and avibrate mode (where a cellular phone vibrates when a call is received)based on the ambient light level. For example, switching from a ringmode to a vibrate mode when the ambient light level decreases a certainamount or reaches a predetermined or specified darkness level, andswitching from a vibrate mode to a ring mode when the ambient lightlevel increases a certain amount or reaches a predetermined or specifiedlightness level. In this example, the cell phone is placed in vibratemode when placed in a pocket and ring mode when the cell phone is heldin the ambient environment as for example during use.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring theforce exerted on the surface of the portable device, the step ofdetermining if a trigger event should occur includes determining if theforce level has changed a certain amount or reached a predetermined orspecified force level, and the step of performing a task includeautomatically switching between an input mode where all or a selectnumber of input devices are unlocked and a hold mode where all or aselect number of input devices are locked based on the force level. Forexample, if constant forces are being exerted as for example when a usergrips the device, it can be assumed that the device is being held andtherefore inputting is desired, and if forces are not being constantlyexerted, it can be assumed that the device is not being held andtherefore inputting is not desired.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring thesurface of the device for one or more touches, the step of determiningif a trigger event should occur includes determining whether or not atouch has occurred, and the step of performing a task includeautomatically switching between an input mode where all or a selectnumber of input devices are unlocked and a hold mode where all or aselect number of input devices are locked based on touch/no touch. Forexample, if a touch is sensed for example when a user grips the device,it can be assumed that the device is being held and therefore inputtingis desired, and if a touch is not sensed, it can be assumed that thedevice is not being held and therefore inputting is not desired.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring thetemperature at the surface of the device, the step of determining if atrigger event should occur includes determining if the temperature haschanged a certain amount or reached a predetermined or specified level,and the step of performing a task include automatically switchingbetween an input mode where all or a select number of input devices areunlocked and a hold mode where all or a select number of input devicesare locked based on the temperature. For example, switching from aninput mode to a hold mode when the temperature decreases a certainamount or reaches a predetermined or specified temperature, andswitching from a hold mode to an input mode when the temperatureincreases a certain amount or reaches a predetermined or specifiedtemperature. Generally, the surface temperature of the device willchange when held in the hand.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring theambient light level, the step of determining if a trigger event shouldoccur includes determining if the ambient light level has changed acertain amount or reached a predetermined or specified level, and thestep of performing a task include automatically switching between afirst music mode where a first playlist is initiated and a second musicmode where a second playlist is initiated based on the ambient lightlevel. For example, switching from a first music mode to a second musicmode when the ambient light level decreases a certain amount or reachesa predetermined or specified darkness level, and switching from a secondmusic mode to a first music mode when the ambient light level increasesa certain amount or reaches a predetermined or specified lightnesslevel.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring themotion or vibration of the device, the step of determining if a triggerevent should occur includes determining if the motion or vibration haschanged a certain amount or reached a predetermined or specified level,and the step of performing a task include automatically switchingbetween a play mode where a song is played and a pause mode where a songis paused based on the motion or vibration. For example, switching froma play mode to a pause mode when the vibration decreases a certainamount or reaches a predetermined or specified level, and switching frompause mode to play mode when the vibration increases a certain amount orreaches a predetermined or specified level. This embodiment is wellsuited for user that use music players while exercising (e.g., playswhen exercising, stops when exercise stops).

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring theorientation of the device (e.g., accelerometer), the step of determiningif a trigger event should occur includes determining if the device is inan orientation for use (e.g., right side up) or for non use (upsidedown, tilted, etc.), and the step of performing a task includesautomatically switching between an input mode where all or a selectnumber of input devices are unlocked and a hold mode where all or aselect number of input devices are locked based on the ambient lightlevel. For example, switching from an input mode to a hold mode when theorientation is incorrect, and switching from a hold mode to an inputmode when the orientation is correct.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoringorientation and motion/vibration, the step of determining if a triggerevent should occur is based on the orientation of the device and therecent history of the vibration/motion, and the step of performing atask includes automatically powering down (e.g., turning the entiredevice off) after an audible or other warning. This embodiment is meantto determine if the device has been abandoned while in PLAY mode. Forexample, if a user places a portable music player in PLAY mode onto aflat surface (orientation) and then does not move the device for aspecified period of time (perhaps 15 minutes), it may be likely that theuser is finished listening to the device and forgot to turn it off. Theautomatic power down should save the battery charge and reduce deepbattery cycling.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoringambient noise level, the step of determining if a trigger should occurincludes determining if the noise level has changed a certain amount orreached a specified noise level, and the step of performing a taskincludes automatically switching ring modes or the ring volume setting.This embodiment may be useful for the user who normally prefers a lowring volume but does not want to miss a call because they walked into anoisy environment (like a train station).

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoringambient noise level, the step of determining if a trigger should occurincludes determining if the noise level has changed a certain amount orreached a specified noise level, and the step of performing a taskincludes automatically switching the headphone volume based on theambient noise. For example, when the noise around the user increases,the device automatically increases the output volume of the music tocompensate. The listening experience is therefore not interrupted.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoring time,the step of determining if a trigger should occur includes determiningif the time has changed a certain amount or reached a specified time andthe step of performing a task includes adjusting the ring volume basedon the time. For example, the ring volume may be lowered or made quieterafter 9 PM (or some other user specified time). This embodiment may beenhanced by also monitoring orientation and/or motion. For example, ifthe phone is placed on a table or nightstand.

In another embodiment, the step of monitoring includes monitoringambient light level, the step of determining if a trigger should occurincludes determining if the ambient light level has changed a certainamount or reached a specified light level and the step of performing atask includes adjusting the backlight on the display or input keys ofthe device based on the ambient light level. See for example U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/402,311, which is herein incorporated byreference.

FIG. 2 is a method 50 of operating a portable hand held device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 50generally begins at block 52 where functions or commands are assigned toone or more sensors and sensor events produced therefrom (particularfunctions are mapped to particular sensor events). A single function maybe assigned to an individual sensor/sensor event or to a group ofsensors/sensor events. Any combination can be used. The assignments maybe part of a default setting or they may be programmable or learned. Inthe case of programmable, the user may utilize a control panel wherethey can enable/disable functions, reassign functions to differentsensors, set different thresholds for sensor events, choose betweenpredetermined configurations, etc. By way of example, the assignmentsmay be stored as a table in the controller and/or memory depending onthe needs of the system.

In block 54, sensor data is obtained from one or more sensors containedinside the portable hand held device. For example, the controller may beconfigured to read the outputs from the various sensors. The sensors canbe widely varied and may include light sensors, noise sensors, motionsensors, vibration sensors, pressure sensors, touch sensors, orientationsensors, location sensors, force sensors, temperature sensors, clocks,etc. In some cases, the sensors are continuously sensing theenvironment. In other cases, the sensors perform sensing at regularintervals.

Following block 54, the method proceeds to block 56 where particularsensor events are identified from the sensor data. This may for examplebe accomplished with a controller solely or in conjunction with memory.By way of example, a sensor event may be associated with absolute orrelative data. For example whether the data has changed a specifiedamount or whether the data has reached a specified level.

Following block 56, the method proceeds to block 58 where functions orcommands assigned to sensor/sensor events are implemented when thesensor events are identified. This may for example be accomplished witha controller solely or in conjunction with memory. Again, individualsensor events from a single sensor may be used to drive a particularfunctionality or multiple sensor events from multiple sensors may beused to drive a particular functionality.

A wide range of commands can generated. The commands can includechanging modes (e.g., input/hold, vibrate/ring), launching a program,opening a file (e.g., playlist 1/playlist2), adjusting a control (e.g.,volume, play/pause, backlighting, powering up/down, etc.), viewing amenu, executing instructions, logging onto the device, permitting accessto restricted areas, loading a user profile, and/or the like.

Table 1 shows several examples of functions that can be assigned toparticular sensor read outs.

TABLE 1 SENSOR SENSOR EVENT FUNCTION Light Sensor Dark/Light HoldMode/Input Mode Light Sensor Dark/Light Vibrate mode/Ring mode LightSensor Dark/Light Music Mode 1/Music Mode 2 Light Sensor Dark/LightBacklighting Low/High Force Sensor Hard/Light(No) Input Mode/Hold modeTouch Sensor Touch/No Touch Input Mode/Hold mode Temp. Sensor High/LowInput Mode/Hold Mode Noise Sensor High/Low Ring Volume High/Low NoiseSensor High/Low Head Set Volume High/Low Clock Time 1/Time 2 Ring VolumeHigh/Low Orientation Sensor Upright/Upside Input Mode/Hold Mode DownMotion Sensor High/Low Play/Pause Motion Sensor High/Low Music Mode1/Music Mode 2 Motion Sensor & No Motion Power Down Orientation SensorOne location

It should be appreciated that Table 1 is shown by way of example and notby way of limitation. It is conceivable that any function (even thosenot mentioned) can be mapped to any combination of sensor/sensor event(even those not mentioned). For example, although ring/vibrate mode wasapplied to the light sensor in Table 1, it should be noted that this isnot a limitation and it can be performed from force sensing, touchsensing, etc. Furthermore, although not shown in Table 1, it should berealized that it may be advantageous to utilize multiple sensor eventsfor determining whether a particular function should be implemented. Forexample, any combination of sensor events can be selected to determinewhether a device should be placed in hold mode or input mode (e.g.,light sensor and touch). In fact, using a menu, a user may simplyenable/disable any of sensor/sensor events associated with a particularfunction to get their desired configuration. For example, the user canpick which sensors they would like to use to control the hold/inputmodes.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a portable electronic device 100, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The portableelectronic device may be a handheld device and further a pocket sizedhandheld device. The portable electronic device may for example beselected from PDA, Cell Phone, Music Player (e.g., MP3), Video Player(e.g., DVD), Game Player, Camera, Handtop, Internet terminal, remotecontrol, GPS device, and the like.

The portable electronic device 100 typically includes a controller 102(e.g., CPU) configured to execute instructions and to carry outoperations associated with the portable electronic device 100. Forexample, using instructions retrieved for example from memory, thecontroller 102 may control the reception and manipulation of input andoutput data between components of the portable electronic device 100.The controller 102 can be implemented on a single-chip, multiple chipsor multiple electrical components. For example, various architecturescan be used for the controller 102, including dedicated or embeddedprocessor, single purpose processor, controller, ASIC, and so forth. Byway of example, the controller 102 may include microprocessors, DSP, A/Dconverters, D/A converters, compression, decompression, etc.

In most cases, the controller 102 together with an operating systemoperates to execute computer code and produce and use data. Theoperating system may correspond to well known operating systems such asOSX, OS/2, Windows, DOS, Unix, Linux, and Palm OS, or alternatively tospecial purpose operating system, such as those used for limited purposeappliance-type devices.

The operating system, other computer code and data may reside within amemory block 104 that is operatively coupled to the controller 102.Memory block 104 generally provides a place to store computer code anddata that are used by the portable electronic device 100. By way ofexample, the memory block 104 may include Read-Only Memory (ROM),Random-Access Memory (RAM), hard disk drive (micro drive), flash memoryand/or the like.

In conjunction with the memory block 104, the portable device 100 mayalso include a removable storage device such as an optical disc playerthat receives and plays DVDs, or card slots for receiving mediums suchas memory cards (or memory sticks). In the case of some smaller handhelddevices, the optical drive may only be configured for mini DVDs.

The portable electronic device 100 also includes one or more inputdevices 106 that are operatively coupled to the controller 102. Theinput devices 106 allow a user to interact with the hand held electronicdevice 100. For example, they allow a user to input data into thehandheld electronic device 106. The input devices 106 may take a varietyof forms including for example buttons, switches, wheels, dials, keys,keypads, navigation pads, joysticks, touch screens, touch pads, touchhousings, microphone, trackball, etc.

In order to prevent accidental entries by the input devices, theportable electronic device 100 may also include a manual hold switch107. The manual hold switch 107 is configured to activate and deactivateall or a select number of the input devices by simply sliding amechanical actuator from one position to another position (ON/OFF). Thisis generally done to prevent unwanted entries, as for example, when thedevice 100 is stored inside a user's pocket. That is, the hold switch107 prevents inadvertent or accidental entries that may occur while thedevice is being carried. When the switch 107 is placed in a firstposition or state, signals from the input means are not sent or aredisregarded by the device (e.g., hold mode). When the switch 107 isplaced in a second position or state, signals from the input means aresent and therefore received and processed by the device (e.g., inputmode). The hold switch 107 not only deactivate mechanical actuators suchas buttons but also electronic actuators such as touch screens or touchsurfaces, etc.

In one embodiment, all the input devices are affected by the holdswitch. That is, placing the actuator in the ON position causes all theinput devices to be disabled. In another embodiment, only a selectnumber of input devices are affected by the hold switch. That is,placing the actuator in the ON position causes a predetermined portionof the input devices to be disabled. As should be appreciated, someinput devices are less likely to cause unwanted entries and thereforethey may not need to be placed in the hold mode.

In one example, when the hold switch is set to OFF, the user interfacesends a message to the controller that describes the status of the inputdevices (e.g., button status, touch pad position, etc.). In some cases,the message is only sent when the status of one or all of the inputdevices changes. For example, when a button has been pressed. When thehold switch is set to ON, the user interface does not send a message tothe controller. When the hold switch is toggled from ON to OFF, the userinterface sends a message to the controller. When the hold switch istoggled from OFF to ON, the user interface does not send a message tothe controller.

The portable electronic device 100 also includes one or more outputdevices 108 that are operatively coupled to the controller 102. Theoutput devices 108 allow the portable electronic device 100 to interactwith the user. For example, they allow the handheld electronic device100 to output data associated with the portable electronic device 100 tothe user. The output devices 108 may take a variety of forms includingfor example a display, speakers (or headset), audio/tactile feedbackdevices (e.g., haptics), indicators, etc.

At the very least, the output devices 108 typically include a display109 for displaying a graphical user interface GUI including perhaps apointer or cursor as well as other information to the user. The GUIprovides an easy to use interface between a user of the portableelectronic device 100 and the operating system or applications runningthereon. Generally speaking, the GUI represents programs, files andvarious selectable options with graphical images. The GUI canadditionally or alternatively display information, such as noninteractive text and graphics, for the user of the handheld electronicdevice 100. The display may also be used to display images or playvideo.

The display 109 is typically selected from flat panel devices althoughthis is not a requirement and other types of displays may be utilized.Flat panel devices typically provide a planar platform that is suitablefor hand-held devices 100. By way of example, the display 109 maycorrespond to a liquid crystal display (LCD) such as a character LCDthat is capable of presenting text and symbols or a graphical LCD thatis capable of presenting images, video, and graphical user interfaces(GUI). Alternatively, the display 109 may correspond to a display basedon organic light emitting diodes (OLED), or a display that is based onelectronic inks.

The configuration of input and output devices typically vary accordingto the type of portable electronic device.

In order to anticipate the operational needs of the user (or providesituational awareness), the portable electronic device 100 may alsoinclude one or more sensors 110 that are operatively coupled to thecontroller 102. The sensors 110 are configured to transfer data from theoutside world into the portable device 100 so that the portableelectronic device 100 can determine how the device 100 should beconfigured or controlled (e.g., each environmental attribute providescues to how the user would prefer to use or control the device). Forexample, information collected by the sensors 110 may help thecontroller 102 determine what mode the device should be operating inand/or how to adjust a control feature. The sensors 110 may take avariety of forms including light sensors (e.g., photodiode,phototransistor, photoresistor), motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers),vibration sensors, force sensors (e.g., capacitance, resistance), touchsensors (e.g., capacitance, resistance), temperature sensors, pressuresensors (e.g., load cells), image sensors (e.g., CCD, CMOS), noisesensors, clocks, and/or the like.

Any number of sensors in any combination may be used to drive one ormore commands.

In one embodiment, the output of a single sensor is used to drive acommand For example, the output from a single light sensor may be usedto drive a mode command such as input/hold mode.

In another embodiment, the outputs of multiple sensors of the same typeare used to drive a command. This may be done to average values producedtherefrom or so that the device can compare/select between multiplevalues produced therefrom. By way of example, the outputs from multiplelight sensors at different locations may be used to drive a mode commandsuch as input/hold.

In another embodiment, the outputs of multiple sensors of differenttypes may be used to drive a command. This may help the device narrowdown a particular configuration of the device (e.g., needs at least twosets of information to make decision). Any combination of sensors may beused including but not limited by light/motion, light/vibration,light/touch, light/force, light/temperature, light/noise,light/orientation, light/clock, motion/vibration, motion/touch,motion/force, motion/temperature, motion/noise, motion/orientation,motion/clock, vibration/touch, vibration/force, vibration/temperature,vibration/noise, vibration/orientation, vibration/clock, touch/force,touch/temperature, touch/noise, touch/orientation, touch/clock,force/temperature, force/noise, force/orientation, force/clock,temperature/noise, temperature/orientation, temperature/clock,noise/orientation, noise/clock, orientation/clock, and/or the like. Itshould also be pointed out that the combination is not limited to onlytwo sensors, but may also include combinations greater than two as forexample light/motion/touch, light/motion/force, etc.

In another embodiment, the output of a single sensor type is used todrive multiple commands. For example, the output of a single lightsensor may be used to drive to mode commands such as hold/input andring/vibrate as well as to drive backlighting.

In another embodiment, the output of a multiple sensor types is used todrive multiple commands. For example, the output of a light sensor andmotion sensor may be used to drive two mode commands such as hold/inputand music model/music mode 2. In addition, the light sensor itself maybe used to additionally drive another mode command such as vibrate/ring,and the motion sensor itself may be used to additionally drive a commandfor adjusting a control such as PLAY/PAUSE. Moreover, the light sensoror motion sensor may be combined with another sensor to drive othercommands. For example, the motion sensor may also be combined with anorientation sensor to drive a command for adjusting a control such asPOWER ON/OFF.

Furthermore, the sensors 111 may be positioned almost anywhere on or inthe portable electronic device 100. They may be located at peripherallocations (at the surface) or they may be located at internal locationsinside the device 100. Internal locations provide the added benefit ofbeing hidden from view. Alternatively, the sensors 111 may be embeddedwithin a housing wall of the device 100. For example, the device mayhave an optical transmissive layer on its outer surface within which asmall light sensor can be embedded.

In some cases, the device 100 may include a situational awareness module112 that obtains sensor data from the various sensors 111 and extractscontrol information from the sensor data. The control information can beused to control some aspect of the device 100 including for examplechanging modes (e.g., input/hold), adjusting controls (e.g., volume),etc. By way of example, the situational awareness module 112 may includetables 113 for interpreting the signals generated by the sensors 111.The tables 113 may for example map particular sensor event(s) toparticular functions. In one implementation, the tables 113 may beaccessed through a control menu that serves as a control panel forreviewing and/or customizing the operation of the device 100, i.e., theuser may quickly and conveniently review the settings and make changesthereto. Once changed, the modified settings will be automatically savedand thereby employed to handle future processing. By way of example, theuser may set the meaning of each sensor event. The device 100 istherefore user configurable or user programmable.

The situational awareness module may reside in the controller, memoryand/or some other component of the device.

In accordance with one embodiment, one or more sensors 110 are includedin the portable electronic device 100 to provide feedback that alertsthe portable electronic device 100 when the portable electronic device100 should be switched from one mode to another. The sensor output isrelated to a mode of the portable electronic device 100, and thereforethe sensor output can be used to provide cues when the portableelectronic device 100 should automatically change from one mode to theother (without waiting for a manual user selection).

In one embodiment, the sensor output provide cues for initiating anautomatic switch between an input mode and a hold mode. That is, thesensors 110 provide information for determining when the portableelectronic device 100 should switch from the input mode to the hold modeand from the hold mode to the input mode (without user selection eachtime). When the portable electronic device 100 is in the input mode, theinput devices 106 of the portable electronic device are activated foruse. That is, the input devices 106 are enabled to provide inputs intothe portable electronic device 100. When the portable electronic device100 is in a hold mode, the input devices 106 of the portable electronicdevice 100 are deactivated. That is, the input devices 106 are disabledor locked so that they are unable to provide inputs into the portableelectronic device 100. This prevents operations from being interruptedand from inadvertently waking up and using unnecessary power (see HoldSwitch above).

In one implementation, the portable electronic device 100 includes oneor more ambient light sensors 111 configured to receive and measure thelevel of light that surrounds the portable electronic device 100. Thistype of light is sometimes referred to as ambient light. For example,the light that is produced by sunlight, incandescent light, fluorescentlight and the like. The light sensor 111 may be a photodiode,phototransistor, photoresistor, and in some cases may even be embodiedas a CMOS or CCD. During operation, the ambient light sensor(s) 111measures the ambient light level surrounding the portable electronicdevice 100 and the controller 102 determines whether the measuredambient light level has changed a certain amount or reached a certainlight threshold.

In one embodiment, the input mode is active in high ambient light andthe hold mode is active in low ambient light. It is generally assumedthat when placed in a dark environment, the portable electronic device100 is not being used for inputting and thus inputting is locked. By wayof example, the portable electronic device 100 may be placed in a pocketor bag or case or purse or possibly in such a dark environment that theuser would simply not use the device. This feature is especiallyimportant when the portable electronic device 100 is loosely placed in apocket or bag, as the device is typically jumbled around such thataccidental inputs can be made.

The light sensor(s) 111 may be positioned at external locations (at thesurface) or they may be located at internal locations inside theportable electronic device 100. When internally located, windows builtinto the housing of the portable electronic device 100 may be used totransmit light from outside the portable electronic device 100 to insidethe portable electronic device 100 where the sensors 111 are located.Light conduits including holes or light pipes may also be used to directthe ambient light from outside the housing to inside the housing towardsthe light sensor(s) 111. The light conduits may form a window at thesurface of the device or they may be placed behind a window.Furthermore, the light pipes may be formed form rigid or flexiblematerials that facilitate the transmission of light therethrough.

In one embodiment, the light sensors 111 are disposed inside the deviceso they are hidden from view. The light sensors 111 may be placedproximate the display 109 thereby utilizing the window that typicallycovers and protects the display 109.

In some cases, multiple ambient light sensors 111 may be used. This mayhelp produce a more accurate reading of ambient light as for examplethrough averaging. This may also help in determining whether the deviceis actually in a dark environment as opposed to when light is beingblocked from getting to the light sensor 111 (e.g., if one sensor isblocked, the other is still sensing the ambient environment).

The sensor(s) 110 can be used alone or in combination with the holdswitch 107 mentioned above. That is, the sensor(s) 110 can completelyreplace the manual hold switch 107, or they may be used in addition tothe manual hold switch 107 or a modified manual hold switch 107. Thesensors 110 typically provide the means to automatically switch betweenthe input mode and hold mode (without user manipulation), while themanual hold switch 107 provides a means to physically switch between theinput mode and hold mode. It is generally believed that providing bothgives the user the greatest control over the portable electronic device100.

When used with a standard two state hold switch, the auto hold featuremay be enabled/disabled using a GUI such as user preference window. Asshown in FIG. 4, the GUI 120 may include a header called “auto holdfeature”, and two options—“enabled” and “disabled”. The user can selectone of these items by simply moving a highlight bar over one of them andpressing a selection button. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the holdswitch 107A may include two states for switching between hold and inputmodes. The first state places the device in the hold mode and the secondstate places the device in the input mode. In one embodiment, when theauto hold feature of FIG. 4 is enabled and the hold switch of FIG. 5 isin the hold state, the auto hold feature is activated in accordance withthe sensor output. When the auto hold feature of FIG. 4 is disabled andthe hold switch of FIG. 5 is in the hold state, the auto hold feature isdeactivated and thus the sensor output is ignored. In essence, theportable operates device only operates in accordance with the state ofthe hold switch when the auto hold feature is disabled. FIG. 6 is atruth table 130 in accordance with this embodiment.

When used with a modified hold switch such as a three state hold switch,the auto hold feature may be enabled using the hold switch (rather thenusing system configurations). As shown in FIG. 7, the hold switch 107Bis configured with three positions or states rather than two. The thirdposition is an auto hold position. Placing the switch in the auto holdposition causes the device to automatically switch between input/holdmodes based on the output of the sensor(s). FIG. 8 is a truth table 140in accordance with this embodiment.

Alternatively, the physical hold switch may be eliminated altogether bythe addition of sensors. In this embodiment, the device simply relies onmenu preferences to engage the automatic hold feature based on thesensors alone. This might provide several advantages including forexample eliminating a mechanical actuator, which is aestheticallyunpleasing and which susceptible to wear and which introduces a weakpoint in the structure (e.g., drop test).

In some cases, the device includes an override feature in case a sensorfails. If the auto hold feature is engaged when not desirable, a usercan enter a specific sequence of inputs in order to unlock the device.This would be helpful in the embodiments utilizing a standard twoposition hold switch or embodiments that eliminate the hold switchaltogether. By way of example, the user may be prompted to enter a keycode or perform an action that activates one of the other sensors (e.g.,squeeze gesture in the case of force sensors).

FIG. 9 is a method 200 of operating a hand-held electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 200includes block 202 where the ambient light level is detected. This mayfor example be accomplished with one or more photo detector that ispositioned on or in the hand-held electronic device.

The method 200 also includes block 204 where the mode of the hand-heldelectronic device is changed based on the ambient light. For example,the hand-held electronic device may switch between an input mode and ahold mode based on the ambient light level. If the ambient light is lowsuch as for example in a darkened environment such as inside a pocket orbag, then a hold mode is implemented. If the ambient light is high suchas for example in a lightened environment surrounding the user, then theinput mode is implemented. This particular embodiment is configured toanticipate when the user desires to input into the hand-held electronicdevice.

FIG. 10 is a method 250 of operating a hand-held electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The method 250includes block 252 where the state of a hold switch is monitored. Forexample, whether the hold switch is in the on or off or auto position.

The method also includes block 254 where the ambient light level ismeasured (detected). This may for example be accomplished with one ormore photo detector that is positioned on or in the hand-held electronicdevice.

The method 250 also includes block 256 where the input devices areenabled/disabled based on the state of the measured ambient light leveland the state of the hold switch. If the hold switch is in the autoposition and the ambient light level is low, the input devices aredisabled. If the hold switch is in the auto position and the ambientlight level is high, the input devices are enabled.

Determining the state of ambient light level may be widely varied. Inone example, if the measured light level is above a predetermined orspecified threshold, the state of the ambient light level is consideredhigh, and if the measured light level is below a predetermined orspecified threshold, the state of the ambient light level is consideredlow. In some cases, a hysteresis loop may be provided in order toprevent the modes from switching back and forth at a particularthreshold level. For example, an upper and lower threshold may be used.If the light level is above the upper threshold, the high state isoutputted and if the light level is below the lower threshold, the lowstate is outputted. As should be appreciated, this provides a bufferbetween the upper and lower thresholds. In another example, if thecurrent light level differs significantly from the previous light level(by a predetermined amount), the state of the ambient light levelswitches from a current state to a new state (e.g., from low to high orfrom high to low). For example, a switch may be initiated if the lightlevel changes about 300 lux. Tables and equations and algorithms mayalso be used to determine the state of the ambient light level.

FIG. 11 is a method 280 of operating a hand-held electronic device, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The methodbegins at block 282 where a determination is made as to whether anautomatic hold feature is activated. This may for example beaccomplished with a three state switch or a two state switch incombination with a user preference window. If the automatic hold featureis not active, the method proceeds to block 284 where a determination ismade as to whether or not the hold feature is turned on. For example, ifthe switch is placed on the on or off position. If the hold feature isturned on, the method proceeds to block 286 where input devices aredisabled in order to prevent user inputs. If the hold feature is turnedoff, the method proceeds to block 288 where input devices are enabled inorder to allow user inputs to be made.

Referring back to block 282, if the automatic hold feature is active,the method proceeds to block 290 where the status of the hold feature(on, off) is adjusted based on one or more sensor inputs. For example,as shown in blocks 292-296, if a first condition is sensed, the methodproceeds to block 294 where input devices are disabled in order toprevent user inputs. If a second condition is sensed, the methodproceeds to block 296 where input devices are enabled in order to allowuser inputs to be made. As mentioned previously, the sensor inputs canbe widely varied including for example ambient light, temperature,motion, vibration, touch, pressure, etc.

In one embodiment, block 290 includes measuring the same environmentalattribute at more then one location and averaging the result, andthereafter comparing the new result to a previous result or some sort ofthreshold. For example, producing a first condition if the differencebetween the new result and the previous result is high. Producing asecond condition if the difference between the new result and theprevious result is low. Alternatively or additionally, determining ifthe new result is above or below a threshold and initiating a firstcondition if above the threshold and initiating a second condition ifbelow a threshold.

In another embodiment, block 290 includes measuring the sameenvironmental attribute at more than one location and comparing theresults from each location. If the results are substantially different,the status is held constant (not adjusted). If the results aresubstantially similar or the same, the status is adjusted. In the caseof ambient light sensors, this may help differentiate when the device isjust sitting on a table (lighted environment) and when the device isactually in a pocket or bag (dark environment). For example, if twoambient light sensors are used at different locations, a light/lightcondition will be considered a light condition, a light/dark conditionwill be considered a light condition and a dark/dark condition will beconsidered a dark condition. The light condition initiating the inputmode. The dark condition initiating the hold mode.

In another embodiment, block 290 includes measuring differentenvironmental attributes and adjusting the hold feature when each hasachieved a predetermined or specified threshold.

FIG. 12 is perspective view of a pocket sized handheld media player 300,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The term“media player” generally refers to devices that are dedicated toprocessing media such as audio, video or other images, as for example,music players, game players, video players and the like. In some cases,the media players contain single functionality (e.g., a media playerdedicated to playing music) and in other cases the media players containmultiple functionality (e.g., a media player that plays music, displaysvideo, stores pictures and the like). With regards to being handheld,the device 300 can be operated and held solely by the user's hand. Bybeing pocket sized, the player is preferably sized for placement into apocket of the user so that the device can be taken almost anywhere theuser travels (e.g., the user is not limited by carrying a large, bulkyand heavy device). By way of example, the media player may correspond tothe iPod® series music/photo/video players manufactured by Apple Inc. ofCupertino, Calif.

As shown, the media player 300 includes a housing 302 that enclosesinternally various electrical components (including integrated circuitchips and other circuitry) to provide computing operations for the mediaplayer 300. For example, components used to process, input and outputmedia such as music, photos, games, video and the like. The integratedcircuit chips and other circuitry may include microprocessors, memory(e.g., hard drive, RAM, ROM, flash, etc.), battery, circuit board,input/output (I/O) support circuitry, amplifier, digital signalprocessors (DSP), etc.

The media player 300 also includes a display 304. The display 304, whichis assembled within the housing 302 and which is visible through anopening in the housing 302, is used to display a graphical userinterface (GUI) as well as other information to the user (e.g., text,objects, graphics). The GUI may visually provide music, photo, game andvideo menus, as well as controls thereof to the user. The display 304generally takes the form of a flat panel display such as a liquidcrystal display (LCD).

In most cases, the display screen 104 is visible to a user of the mediaplayer 100 through an opening 105 in the housing 102, and through atransparent wall 106 that is disposed in front of the opening 105.Although transparent, the transparent wall 106 may be considered part ofthe housing 102 since it helps to define the shape or form of the mediaplayer 100.

The media player 300 also includes a touch pad 310. The touch pad is anintuitive interface that provides easy one-handed operation, i.e., letsa user interact with the media player 100 with one or more fingers. Thetouch pad 310 is configured to provide one or more control functions forcontrolling various applications associated with the media player 100.For example, the touch initiated control function may be used to move anobject on the display screen 304 or to make selections or issue commandsassociated with operating the media player 300. In order to implementthe touch initiated control function, the touch pad 310 may be arrangedto receive input from a finger moving across the surface of the touchpad 310, from a finger holding a particular position on the touch padand/or by a finger tapping on a particular position of the touch pad.

The position of the touch pad 310 relative to the housing 302 may bewidely varied. For example, the touch pad 310 may be placed at anyexternal surface (e.g., top, side, front, or back) of the housing 302that is accessible to a user during manipulation of the media player300. In most cases, the touch sensitive surface 311 of the touch pad 310is completely exposed to the user. In the illustrated embodiment, thetouch pad 310 is located in a lower, front area of the housing 302.Furthermore, the touch pad 310 may be recessed below, level with, orextend above the surface of the housing 302. In the illustratedembodiment, the touch sensitive surface 311 of the touch pad 310 issubstantially flush with the external surface of the housing 302.

Moreover, the shape of the touch pad 310 may also be widely varied. Forexample, the touch pad 310 may be circular, rectangular, triangular, andthe like. In general, the outer perimeter of the shaped touch paddefines the working boundary of the touch pad. In one embodiment, thetouch pad 310 is circular. More particularly, the touch pad is annular,i.e., shaped like or forming a ring. When annular, the inner and outerperimeter of the shaped touch pad defines the working boundary of thetouch pad.

The manner in which the circular touch pad 110 receives input may bewidely varied. In one embodiment, the touch pad 110 is configuredreceive input from a linear finger motion. In another embodiment, thetouch pad 110 is configured receive input from a rotary or swirlingfinger motion. In yet another embodiment, the touch pad 110 isconfigured receive input from a radial finger motion. Additionally oralternatively, the touch pad 110 may be arranged to receive input from afinger tapping on the touch pad 100. By way of example, the tappingfinger may initiate a control function for playing a song, opening amenu and the like.

In one embodiment, the control function corresponds to a scrollingfeature. For example, the moving finger may initiate a control functionfor scrolling through a song menu displayed on the display screen 104.The term “scrolling” as used herein generally pertains to movingdisplayed data or images (e.g., text or graphics) across a viewing areaon a display screen 104 so that a new set of data (e.g., line of text orgraphics) is brought into view in the viewing area. In most cases, oncethe viewing area is full, each new set of data appears at the edge ofthe viewing area and all other sets of data move over one position. Thatis, the new set of data appears for each set of data that moves out ofthe viewing area. In essence, the scrolling function allows a user toview consecutive sets of data currently outside of the viewing area. Theviewing area may be the entire viewing area of the display screen 104 orit may only be a portion of the display screen 104 (e.g., a windowframe).

The direction of scrolling may be widely varied. For example, scrollingmay be implemented vertically (up or down) or horizontally (left orright). In the case of vertical scrolling, when a user scrolls down,each new set of data appears at the bottom of the viewing area and allother sets of data move up one position. If the viewing area is full,the top set of data moves out of the viewing area. Similarly, when auser scrolls up, each new set of data appears at the top of the viewingarea and all other sets of data move down one position. If the viewingarea is full, the bottom set of data moves out of the viewing area. Inone implementation, the scrolling feature may be used to move aGraphical User Interface (GUI) vertically (up and down), or horizontally(left and right) in order to bring more data into view on a displayscreen. By way of example, in the case of an MP3 player, the scrollingfeature may be used to help browse through songs stored in the MP3player. The direction that the finger moves may be arranged to controlthe direction of scrolling. For example, the touch pad may be arrangedto move the GUI vertically up when the finger is moved in a firstdirection and vertically down when the finger is moved in a seconddirection.

To elaborate, the display screen 104, during operation, may display alist of media items (e.g., songs). A user of the media player 100 isable to linearly scroll through the list of media items by moving his orher finger across the touch pad 110. As the finger moves around thetouch pad 110, the displayed items from the list of media items arevaried such that the user is able to effectively scroll through the listof media items. However, since the list of media items can be ratherlengthy, the invention provides the ability for the user to rapidlytraverse (or scroll) through the list of media items. In effect, theuser is able to accelerate their traversal of the list of media items bymoving his or her finger at greater speeds.

In one embodiment, the media player 100 via the touch pad 110 isconfigured to transform a swirling or whirling motion of a finger intotranslational or linear motion, as in scrolling, on the display screen104. In this embodiment, the touch pad 110 is configured to determinethe angular location, direction, speed and acceleration of the fingerwhen the finger is moved across the top planar surface of the touch pad110 in a rotating manner, and to transform this information into signalsthat initiate linear scrolling on the display screen 104. In anotherembodiment, the media player 100 via the touch pad 110 is configured totransform radial motion of a finger into translational or linear motion,as in scrolling, on the display screen 104. In this embodiment, thetouch pad 110 is configured to determine the radial location, direction,speed and acceleration of the finger when the finger is moved across thetop planar surface of the touch pad 110 in a radial manner, and totransform this information into signals that initiate linear scrollingon the display screen 104. In another embodiment, the media player 100via the touch pad 202 is configured to transform both angular and radialmotion of a finger into translational or linear motion, as in scrolling,on the display screen 104.

In addition to above, the media player 300 may also include one or morebuttons 314. The buttons 314 are configured to provide one or morededicated control functions for making selections or issuing commandsassociated with operating the media player 300. By way of example, inthe case of a music or video player, the button functions may beassociated with opening a menu, playing media, fast forwarding a song,seeking through a menu and the like. The buttons 314 may be mechanicalclicking buttons and/or they may be touch buttons. In some cases, thebuttons whether mechanical or electrical may be integrated with thetouch pad. In the illustrated embodiment, the device includes a centerbutton and a touch pad that provides the mechanical clicking actionnecessary for four control buttons. One advantage of this user interfaceis that in order to play a song on the device, the user is only requiredto highlight a new song by rotating their finger about the touch pad,and then select the new song by clicking the center button.

Examples of various touch pad/button arrangements may be found in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 10/188,182, 10/722,948, and 10/643,256,which are all herein incorporated by reference. Examples of other touchdevices such as touch screens or touch sensitive housings that areoverlaid on top of the display may be found in U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 10/840,862, 11/057,050, 11/115,539, 60/663,345 and 60/658,777,which are all herein incorporated by reference.

The media player 300 may also include a hold feature configured toactivate or deactivate the touch pad and/or buttons (e.g., main userinput devices). This is generally done to prevent unwanted commands bythe touch pad and/or buttons, as for example, when the media player isstored inside a user's pocket. When deactivated, signals from thebuttons and/or touch pad are not sent or are disregarded by the mediaplayer. When activated, signals from the buttons and/or touch pad aresent and therefore received and processed by the media player. The holdfeature includes a hold switch 315 and at least one ambient light sensor316. The hold switch 315 may be a two state or three state switch asshown in FIGS. 4 and 6. The ambient light sensor 316 may be aphotodiode, phototransistor, photoresistor.

The position of the hold switch 315 relative to the housing 302 may bewidely varied. For example, the hold switch 315 may be placed at anyexternal surface (e.g., top, side, front, or back) of the housing 302that is accessible to a user during manipulation of the media player300. In the illustrated embodiment, the hold switch 315 is located onthe top surface of the housing.

The position of the light sensor 316 may also be widely varied. Thelight receiving portion of the light sensor may be located at thesurface of the housing or alternatively inside the housing so that itshidden from view. The light receiving portion may be a hole or windowbuilt into the housing, the end of a light pipe, or the sensor itself.In the illustrated embodiment, the light receiving portion of the sensoris positioned at the edge of the display behind the clear window laidover the display. In this way, the light receiving portion as well asthe sensor is hidden from view. Further, it does not affect theindustrial design surfaces of the housing (e.g., no breaks or lines inthe surface). In one implementation, the light sensor is mounted on themain circuit board of the device either at a location that places it atthe edge of the display or at an interior location away from the displaybut using a light pipe from the sensor to the edge of the display.

Although only one sensor is shown, it should be noted that this is not alimitation and that multiple sensors may be used. For example, a firstsensor may be located at the bottom of the display and a second sensorlocated at the top of the display or sensors may be located at the rightand left sides of the display. Alternatively, each side may include asensor or each corner of the display may include a sensor. Furthermore,sensors may be located at the top, bottom, side or back surface of thehousing. Any combination may be used. Some locations may be morestrategic than others. For example, in some cases, it may be preferableto have a sensor at the front and back of the device in order todetermine if the device is laying on a surface rather than in a pocket.This prevents the device from changing modes simply because the sensoris face down on a table. The device poles the sensors and if one of themhas a high condition, then the device stays or is placed in the inputmode. The same functionality can be performed with a sensor located atthe sides.

The media player 300 may also include one or more headphone jacks 317and one or more data ports 318. The headphone jack 316 is capable ofreceiving a headphone connector associated with headphones configuredfor listening to sound being outputted by the media device 300. The dataport 318, on the other hand, is capable of receiving a dataconnector/cable assembly configured for transmitting and receiving datato and from a host device such as a general purpose computer (e.g.,desktop computer, portable computer). By way of example, the data port318 may be used to upload or down load audio, video and other images toand from the media device 300. For example, the data port may be used todownload songs and play lists, audio books, ebooks, photos, and the likeinto the storage mechanism of the media player.

The data port 318 may be widely varied. For example, the data port maybe a PS/2 port, a serial port, a parallel port, a USB port, a Firewireport and/or the like. In some cases, the data port 318 may be a radiofrequency (RF) link or optical infrared (IR) link to eliminate the needfor a cable. The media player 100 may also include a power port thatreceives a power connector/cable assembly configured for deliveringpowering to the media player 300. In some cases, the data port 318 mayserve as both a data and power port. In the illustrated embodiment, thedata port 318 is a Firewire port having both data and powercapabilities.

Although only one data port is described, it should be noted that thisis not a limitation and that multiple data ports may be incorporatedinto the media player. In a similar vein, the data port may includemultiple data functionality, i.e., integrating the functionality ofmultiple data ports into a single data port. Furthermore, it should benoted that the position of the hold switch, headphone jack and data porton the housing may be widely varied. That is, they are not limited tothe positions shown. They may be positioned almost anywhere on thehousing (e.g., front, back, sides, top, bottom). For example, the dataport may be positioned on the bottom surface of the housing rather thanthe top surface as shown.

By way of example, the media player described in FIG. 11 may generallycorrespond to any of various iPod media players manufactured by AppleInc., of Cupertino, Calif.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view, in cross section, of a media player350, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Themedia player 350 may for example correspond to the media player shownand described in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the media player 350includes a housing 352 that encloses the internal components of themedia player 350. The media player 350 also includes a display 354 whichis assembled within the housing 352 and which is visible through anopening 356 in the housing 352. In some cases, the housing 352 mayinclude a window 358, which is positioned in the opening 356 in front ofthe display 354 in order to protect the display 354 from damage. Thewindow 358 is typically formed from a clear material such as clearpolycarbonate plastic.

The media player 350 also includes a main circuit board 360 disposedinside the housing 352. The main circuit board 360 may include thevarious components discussed in FIG. 2 including for example aprocessor, memory, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, a light sensor362 is also mounted to the main circuit board 360 inside the housing352. A light pipe 364 is used to pipe light from outside the housing 352to inside the housing 352 where the light sensor 362 is located. Thelight receiving end 365 of the light pipe 364 is located at the bottomedge of the display 354 so that it can pick up light incident on thewindow 358. The light pipe 364 directs light incident on the window 358to the light sensor 362 located inside the housing 352. The light pipe362 may be a portion of the window 358 or it may be a separate componentas shown. In some cases, the light receiving end may be angled away fromthe display towards the incident light. Alternatively, the light sensor362 may be mounted on the circuit board 360 in a position that places itproximate the bottom edge of the display 354. In cases such as this, alight pipe is not necessary (unless piping light from another locationaltogether).

FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a media management system 400, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The mediamanagement system 400 includes a host computer 402 and a media player404. The host computer 402 is typically a personal computer. The hostcomputer, among other conventional components, includes a managementmodule 406, which is a software module. The management module 406provides for centralized management of media items (and/or playlists)not only on the host computer 402 but also on the media player 404. Moreparticularly, the management module 406 manages those media items storedin a media store 408 associated with the host computer 402. Themanagement module 406 also interacts with a media database 410 to storemedia information associated with the media items stored in the mediastore 408.

The media information pertains to characteristics or attributes of themedia items. For example, in the case of audio or audiovisual media, themedia information can include one or more of: title, album, track,artist, composer and genre. These types of media information arespecific to particular media items. In addition, the media informationcan pertain to quality characteristics of the media items. Examples ofquality characteristics of media items can include one or more of: bitrate, sample rate, equalizer setting, volume adjustment, start/stop andtotal time.

Still further, the host computer 402 includes a play module 412. Theplay module 412 is a software module that can be utilized to playcertain media items stored in the media store 408. The play module 412can also display (on a display screen) or otherwise utilize mediainformation from the media database 410. Typically, the mediainformation of interest corresponds to the media items to be played bythe play module 412.

The host computer 402 also includes a communication module 414 thatcouples to a corresponding communication module 416 within the mediaplayer 404. A connection or link 418 removeably couples thecommunication modules 414 and 416. In one embodiment, the connection orlink 418 is a cable that provides a data bus, such as a FIREWIRE™ bus orUSB bus, which is well known in the art. In another embodiment, theconnection or link 418 is a wireless channel or connection through awireless network. Hence, depending on implementation, the communicationmodules 414 and 416 may communicate in a wired or wireless manner.

The media player 404 also includes a media store 420 that stores mediaitems within the media player 404. The media items being stored to themedia store 420 are typically received over the connection or link 418from the host computer 402. More particularly, the management module 406sends all or certain of those media items residing on the media store408 over the connection or link 418 to the media store 420 within themedia player 404. Additionally, the corresponding media information forthe media items that is also delivered to the media player 404 from thehost computer 402 can be stored in a media database 422. In this regard,certain media information from the media database 410 within the hostcomputer 402 can be sent to the media database 422 within the mediaplayer 404 over the connection or link 418. Still further, playlistsidentifying certain of the media items can also be sent by themanagement module 406 over the connection or link 418 to the media store420 or the media database 422 within the media player 404.

Furthermore, the media player 404 includes a play module 424 thatcouples to the media store 420 and the media database 422. The playmodule 424 is a software module that can be utilized to play certainmedia items stored in the media store 420. The play module 424 can alsodisplay (on a display screen) or otherwise utilize media informationfrom the media database 422. Typically, the media information ofinterest corresponds to the media items to be played by the play module424.

Hence, in one embodiment, the media player 404 has limited or nocapability to manage media items on the media player 404. However, themanagement module 406 within the host computer 402 can indirectly managethe media items residing on the media player 404. For example, to “add”a media item to the media player 404, the management module 406 servesto identify the media item to be added to the media player 404 from themedia store 408 and then causes the identified media item to bedelivered to the media player 404. As another example, to “delete” amedia item from the media player 404, the management module 406 servesto identify the media item to be deleted from the media store 408 andthen causes the identified media item to be deleted from the mediaplayer 404. As still another example, if changes (i.e., alterations) tocharacteristics of a media item were made at the host computer 402 usingthe management module 406, then such characteristics can also be carriedover to the corresponding media item on the media player 404. In oneimplementation, the additions, deletions and/or changes occur in abatch-like process during synchronization of the media items on themedia player 404 with the media items on the host computer 402.

In another embodiment, the media player 404 has limited or no capabilityto manage playlists on the media player 404. However, the managementmodule 406 within the host computer 402 through management of theplaylists residing on the host computer can indirectly manage theplaylists residing on the media player 404. In this regard, additions,deletions or changes to playlists can be performed on the host computer402 and then by carried over to the media player 404 when deliveredthereto.

As previously noted, synchronization is a form of media management. Theability to automatically initiate synchronization was also previouslydiscussed. Still further, however, the synchronization between devicescan be restricted so as to prevent automatic synchronization when thehost computer and media player do not recognize one another.

According to one embodiment, when a media player is first connected to ahost computer (or even more generally when matching identifiers are notpresent), the user of the media player is queried as to whether the userdesires to affiliate, assign or lock the media player to the hostcomputer. When the user of the media player elects to affiliate, assignor lock the media player with the host computer, then a pseudo-randomidentifier is obtained and stored in either the media database or a filewithin both the host computer and the media player. In oneimplementation, the identifier is an identifier associated with (e.g.,known or generated by) the host computer or its management module andsuch identifier is sent to and stored in the media player. In anotherimplementation, the identifier is associated with (e.g., known orgenerated by) the media player and is sent to and stored in a file ormedia database of the host computer.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of a media player 500, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention. The media player 500 includes aprocessor 502 that pertains to a microprocessor or controller forcontrolling the overall operation of the media player 500. The mediaplayer 500 stores media data pertaining to media items in a file system504 and a cache 506. The file system 504 is, typically, a storage diskor a plurality of disks. The file system 504 typically provides highcapacity storage capability for the media player 500. However, since theaccess time to the file system 504 is relatively slow, the media player500 can also include a cache 506. The cache 506 is, for example,Random-Access Memory (RAM) provided by semiconductor memory. Therelative access time to the cache 506 is substantially shorter than forthe file system 504. However, the cache 506 does not have the largestorage capacity of the file system 504. Further, the file system 504,when active, consumes more power than does the cache 506. The powerconsumption is often a concern when the media player 500 is a portablemedia player that is powered by a battery (not shown). The media player500 also includes a RAM 520 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 522. The ROM522 can store programs, utilities or processes to be executed in anon-volatile manner The RAM 520 provides volatile data storage, such asfor the cache 506.

The media player 500 also includes a user input device 508 that allows auser of the media player 500 to interact with the media player 500. Forexample, the user input device 508 can take a variety of forms, such asa button, keypad, dial, etc. Still further, the media player 500includes a display 510 (screen display) that can be controlled by theprocessor 502 to display information to the user. A data bus 511 canfacilitate data transfer between at least the file system 504, the cache506, the processor 502, and the CODEC 512.

In one embodiment, the media player 500 serves to store a plurality ofmedia items (e.g., songs) in the file system 504. When a user desires tohave the media player play a particular media item, a list of availablemedia items is displayed on the display 510. Then, using the user inputdevice 508, a user can select one of the available media items. Theprocessor 502, upon receiving a selection of a particular media item,supplies the media data (e.g., audio file) for the particular media itemto a coder/decoder (CODEC) 1012. The CODEC 512 then produces analogoutput signals for a speaker 1014. The speaker 514 can be a speakerinternal to the media player 500 or external to the media player 500.For example, headphones or earphones that connect to the media player500 would be considered an external speaker.

The media player 500 also includes a network/bus interface 516 thatcouples to a data link 518. The data link 518 allows the media player500 to couple to a host computer. The data link 518 can be provided overa wired connection or a wireless connection. In the case of a wirelessconnection, the network/bus interface 516 can include a wirelesstransceiver.

In another embodiment, a media player can be used with a dockingstation. The docking station can provide wireless communicationcapability (e.g., wireless transceiver) for the media player, such thatthe media player can communicate with a host device using the wirelesscommunication capability when docked at the docking station. The dockingstation may or may not be itself portable.

The wireless network, connection or channel can be radio-frequencybased, so as to not require line-of-sight arrangement between sendingand receiving devices. Hence, synchronization can be achieved while amedia player remains in a bag, vehicle or other container.

The host device can also be a media player. In such case, thesynchronization of media items can between two media players.

Although the media items of emphasis in several of the above embodimentswere audio items (e.g., audio files or songs), the media items are notlimited to audio items. For example, the media item can alternativelypertain to videos (e.g., movies) or images (e.g., photos).

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of theinvention can be used separately or in any combination.

The invention is preferably implemented by software, but can also beimplemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Theinvention can also be embodied as computer readable code on a computerreadable medium. The computer readable medium is any data storage devicethat can store data which can thereafter be read by a computer system.Examples of the computer readable medium include read-only memory,random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storagedevices, and carrier waves. The computer readable medium can also bedistributed over network-coupled computer systems so that the computerreadable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion.

While this invention has been described in terms of several preferredembodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, whichfall within the scope of this invention. For example, the portablehandheld computing device may serve as a visual indicator for a hostdevice or other device operatively coupled thereto. It should also benoted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methodsand apparatuses of the present invention. It is therefore intended thatthe following appended claims be interpreted as including all suchalterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the truespirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of operating a portable electronic device, comprising: measuring a temperature on the outer surface of the electronic device to determine if a triggering event should be initiated; and performing a task associated with the triggering event in the event that the triggering event is initiated.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the operation of measuring the temperature on the outer surface of the electronic device includes determining if the temperature changed by a predetermined amount.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the operation of measuring the temperature on the outer surface of the electronic device includes determining if the temperature exceeded a predetermined threshold.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the operation of performing a task associated with the triggering event includes automatically switching the electronic device between a first mode and a second mode when the triggering event is initiated.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein in the first mode, the electronic device is enabled to receive inputs; and in the second mode, the electronic device is not enabled to receive inputs.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the operation of switching the electronic device between a first and second mode includes switching the electronic device into the first mode if the temperature on the outer surface of the electronic device exceeds a predetermined threshold.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein the operation of switching the electronic device between a first and second mode includes switching the electronic device into the second mode if the temperature on the outer surface of the electronic device is less than a predetermined threshold.
 8. The method of claim 4, wherein in the first mode, a control feature of the electronic device is set to play; and in the second mode, the control feature of the electronic device is set to pause.
 9. The method of claim 4, wherein in the first mode, an alert mechanism of the electronic device is set to ring; and in the second mode, the alert mechanism of the electronic device is set to vibrate.
 10. The method of claim 4, wherein in the first mode, electronic device power is on; and in the second mode, electronic device power is off.
 11. The method of claim 4, wherein in the first mode, a first playlist is initiated ; and in the second mode, a second playlist is initiated.
 12. A portable electronic device, comprising; one or more temperature sensors configured to sense a temperature on an outer surface of the electronic device; and a control mechanism operatively coupled to the one or more sensors, the control mechanism configured to measure the temperature on the surface of the electronic device and to perform a task responsive to the temperature.
 13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the control mechanism measures the temperature on the outer surface to determine if the temperature changed by a predetermined amount.
 14. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the control mechanism measures the temperature on the outer surface to determine if the temperature exceeded a predetermined threshold.
 15. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein the control mechanism performs a task associated with the triggering event by automatically switching the electronic device between a first mode and a second mode when the triggering event is initiated.
 16. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein in the first mode, the electronic device is enabled to receive inputs; and in the second mode, the electronic device is not enabled to receive inputs.
 17. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein in the first mode, a control feature of the electronic device is set to play; and in the second mode, the control feature of the electronic device is set to pause.
 18. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein in the first mode, an alert mechanism of the electronic device is set to ring; and in the second mode, the alert mechanism of the electronic device is set to vibrate.
 19. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein in the first mode, electronic device power is on; and in the second mode, electronic device power is off.
 20. The electronic device of claim 15, wherein in the first mode, a first playlist is initiated; and in the second mode, a second playlist is initiated. 